One of the most interesting parts of the NBA offseason is the predictions for the next campaign. This has been a common thing for a while now, and it’s pretty clear it won’t change. NBA fans enjoy engaging in heated debates with others anytime they see something they don’t like.
Predictions have become a big reason to spark these debates, and one of the most intense arrives whenever we see the list of the best NBA players before a season starts. It happened before, and it will continue to happen for as long as we’re in this world.
Everybody has an opinion on everything, and the best players in the league aren’t the exception to that. Recently, ESPN released the top 5 of their top 100 list of best players entering the 2022-23 NBA season.
ESPN Names Giannis Antetokounmpo The Best NBA Player Ahead Of 2022-23 Season
The Greek Freak climbed one spot after ranking second last year. This list was full of curious rankings, and the top 5 aren’t any different. Still, I’m pretty sure plenty of people will agree that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world right now, and ESPN’s experts think the same. The Greek Freak climbed one spot after ranking second last year.
5. Stephen Curry
4. Joel Embiid
3. Luka Doncic
2. Nikola Jokic
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
As Antetokounmpo enters his age-28 season, his list of accolades already makes him one of the most decorated winners in league history. So the question remains how he will add to that list. Can he win a third NBA MVP? The Bucks will be among the favorites to win another NBA championship, but can Antetokounmpo secure another Finals MVP? The expectations are high each season, but Antetokounmpo usually finds a way to exceed them.
Why he rose one spot
From the pure consistency and the reliable dominance each night from Antetokounmpo, his claim on the status as best player in the world has only been strengthened in the past year. Arguably no player in the league can match his impact on both ends of the floor.
To follow up winning his first Finals MVP, Antetokounmpo challenged for the scoring title, averaging 29.9 points (third in the NBA), while grabbing 11.6 rebounds, dishing out 5.8 assists with 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Even though Milwaukee was without its second best player, Khris Middleton, during their second-round playoff series against Boston, the Bucks extended the series to seven games on the will of Antetokounmpo, who averaged 31.7 points, 14.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists in the postseason.
After winning his first NBA championship in 2021, Giannis was ready to defend his title last season. He tried as hard as possible to overcome the eventual Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics, but that didn’t mean he slowed down. The absence of Khris Middleton played a big role in that loss, but Giannis is ready to prove that the Bucks aren’t done, and he can do a great job leading them to the promised land again.
